Dale Tonge - Live from Redfearn's Bar - Questions Please

During his time at Oakwell, who had the biggest influence on him or gave him the
best advice that ultimately benefitted him career wise.?

Who did he prefer between Gudjon and Paul Hart and why.?


He came through the youth ranks of our Club and over a career spanning ten years or so,
including loans, he represented six different Clubs. Which was his favourite and where does
he feel he played his best football.?

Is he able to impart why he decided to reject the offer he was made to stay at Oakwell as a Coach
once Daniel (Stendel) had left.?

On certain matchdays when Adam Murray was placed in interim charge, some of Dale's facial expressions in the dugout, seemed to suggest he wasn't always " on board" with what was being suggested. Did he truly " get on" with AM, or did he feel some form of resentment that he'd been passed up as the stand in Coach before Struber was appointed.?

What are his perceptions regarding the quality or standards of football between the Scottish Premiership and the EFL Championship.?

 

Congrats on him becoming a Dad and is that going to influence his next coaching job?

What qualities does he feel are most important in becoming a successful coach?

 

As a player he actually didn't play THAT many games for Barnsley, only starting 30 times in the league but even before he came back to us he was fondly remembered by the fans. Why does he think that is and does he think being a local lad helped or hindered his time in barnsleys first team?

His last game for us came as a sub in the 3 nil drubbing at the hands of Sheffield Wednesday. What did he think that day when Simon Davey chose to play Robbie Williams in midfield? And what did he think when Davey was given the permanent position off the back of such a poor result which many think was down to the manager?

Did he always want to come back to Barnsley at some point or did it just happen when he retired?

How early in his career did he realise he wanted to get into coaching?

Without going into details of what happened on that day how did the Joey Barton 'incident' affect the dressing room afterwards?

When a manager is sacked or leaves and is replaced the players almost always will make comments suggesting that the new manager has improved things. As he's been on both sides of this as a player and manager how genuine are those kind of comments? Are they the players true thoughts or just players wanting to make the new boss like them?

 

Possibly ask him what he thinks about Conway and Co and the way they run the club... Plus his thoughts on DS removal as head coach

 

1. In terms of longevity, you had a relatively short time in the EFL. You broke your foot in 2009. Did
that injury have any bearing on the length of your career.?

2. Who was the best Barnsley player you played alongside between 2003 and 2007.?

3. What was your favourite position, full back or midfield.?

4. Whilst with Barnsley, you gained promotion to the second tier in 2006 and then thirteen years
later as a Coach , helped the Reds return to the Sky Bet Championship. Which achievement gave
you the greatest satisfaction.?

5. In a piece in the Edinburgh News- Jan 2020, you say that Daniel Stendel is a " control manager".
Can you explain what you mean by saying that please.?

6. At Oakwell you were involved in " Player development." Can you elaborate on exactly what that
role entailed.?

7. At Oakwell, players were sent individual clips of their play to their mobiles and as well as iPads
and TV screens at the training ground, they had access to loops and footage and analysis in an
attempt to emphasise the importance of each players role in the squad. Who introduced the system.?
Is it something that yourself and Daniel have taken to Hearts.?

8. What advice do you give to any young player embarking on a future in the Pro game.?

9. What is your personal view on VAR.?

10. You are presently a Coach at Hearts and have hopefully many more years in the game.
Are you willing to share your hopes and ambitions for your future career.?

 

Did he contact Huddersfield as well?